Previous Encounters:
Argentina vs Germany has all the makings of a classic; just a shame it comes so early in
the tournament. Of ten previous encounters, Germany have won three and Argentina four. The
last meeting was in the Confederations Cup, on 21st June 2005 in Nürnberg. The game ended
in a draw (2:2).

In previous World Cup meetings, West Germany beat Argentina (1:0) in
the Italy 1990 World Cup Final and lost (3:2) in
the Mexico 1986 World Cup Final.

They also met in the group stages at England 1966, (0:0) in Birmingham; and Sweden 1958, (3:1) to West Germany, in Malmö.

The Match:
The first quarter-final match started rather tense, as Miroslav Klose and Torsten Frings
tried to make their presence felt on Argentine playmaker Juan Riquelme.

Germany's first half-chance came in the 16th minute, when Michael
Ballack headed wide. A minute later, Per Mertesacker blasted over the bar.

Argentina had the most possession in the first forty-five minutes but
they didn't really do much with it.

Half-time: (0:0)

Roberto Ayala headed Argentina into the lead, from a Riquelme corner,
just five minutes after the re-start.

Ten minutes from the end of normal time, Michael Ballack crossed into
the box. The ball was headed forward by Tim Borowski, to Miroslav Klose; who headed
his fifth goal of the tournament, to equal the score and take the game into extra-time.

Into Extra-time.

Germany looked the fitter of the two teams and with the earlier
Argentina substitutions, forced due to Abbondanzieri's injury halfway through the
second-half, creativity was lacking.

Final Score:
Germany 1 -
Argentina 1After Extra Time

Goalscorers:
0:1 Roberto Ayala (49)
1:1 Miroslav Klose (80)

Oliver Kahn shook Lehmann's hand before the Arsenal goalkeeper took
his place in goal for the penaly kicks.

End Result:
Germany do it again on penalties to book a place in the semi-final; while Argentina left
the field in disgrace. Not the best of matches for entertainment but the hosts got the
eventual 'win' they needed; one they do so well, from the spot when the pressure is on.